Mayville Library celebrating 40 years of book sales next weekend

July 4, 2012

MAYVILLE - It is with a dash of nostalgia and a glimpse of the future for the Mayville Library that it celebrates its 40th book sale anniversary, Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7. It is the longest-running book sale in Chautauqua County.

In early 1972, Mayville Library Association members were aware of the need for funding for the library and decided to launch the sale. They chose the weekend after the 4th of July and worked tediously during the months leading up to their goal. With help from the local media, they put out the word that contributions were needed and were overjoyed when a few thousand books were donated.

The fun part was each association member wrote down a guess at how much they would make after two days of selling used books at very low prices. Each guess was placed in an envelope kept hidden until after the sale. The women gathered at one member's house the following Monday to open each guess. Lo and behold the proceeds were more than anyone expected, which was a signal that it should be an annual event.

Article Photos

Submitted photoThe Mayville Library Book Sale will celebrate its 40th anniversary during the 2012 sale Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7 at the library on South Erie Street. Looking over some of the 5,000 books for sale are the Celebration Committee members, from left to right: Mary Carlson; library director Melissa Bartok; and chair Ann Weidman. Absent from photo was Ann Walsh.

So we come to 2012 and the sale continues. This year, the sale will be held inside the library from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, July 6 and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, July 7. Prices range from 50 cents to $4.

This year, all those who attend will be able to take a chance on winning one of the books for sale. One name will be drawn every hour, and each winner will be invited to choose the sale book of choice.

Customers will be able to choose from any of 5,000 purchases including fiction, non-fiction, children's, young adults, best sellers, large print, audio books, movies and new and gift quality.

Beginning at 1 p.m., on Saturday there will be a bag sale where each bag will cost $3.